An interactive “Pop-up Science Shop” experience to learn about infection, hygiene and untreatable ‘superbugs’ that are resistant to existing medicines

In the summer of 2025, we took over a large vacant retail unit in the St David’s Dewi Sant Shopping Centre in Cardiff (one of the busiest shopping centres in the UK) and converted it into an interactive and professionally designed microbiology laboratory and exhibition space.

It was located on the upper shopping level just outside John Lewis, near the popular Apple and Zara stores and the Treetop Adventure minigolf, and just around the corner from a range of family-friendly restaurants.

The event ran from 7th July until 3rd August 2025.

We hosted primary and secondary schools for pre-booked visits during the last two weeks of the summer term, and were fully open to the general public on weekends and over the first two weeks of the school holidays.

The event was a combined effort involving more than 50 helpers and volunteers from across Cardiff University, Swansea University and Cardiff Metropolitan University, and beyond.

Our 2025 pop-up shop was visited by 4,955 people in total.

Check out the photo albums from previous events!